First images of Pope Leo XIV since surgery released
The Vatican has unveiled the first images of Pope Leo XIV since his lung cancer surgery, showcasing him celebrating Mass in a hospital chapel as doctors confirmed continued improvement in his recovery, reports BritPanorama.
The photos display the 71-year-old pontiff standing at the altar in green vestments, presiding over the liturgy alone and distributing Communion to medical staff and Vatican gendarmes present. Spokesman Matteo Bruni noted that Leo also delivered a homily during the Mass.
In his address, Leo expressed gratitude to the hospital staff for their care for him and their ongoing efforts for the sick, as relayed by Bruni.
Bruni confirmed that Leo is expected to make his first public appearance on Sunday to deliver the traditional noontime prayer. “His post-operative recovery allows him to carry out his normal daily activities completely on his own,” stated a medical update signed by his personal physician and the head of thoracic surgery at Gemelli hospital, Dr. Luigi Carbone and Dr. Stefano Margaritora.
Leo’s surgery on October 13 involved the removal of the lower lobe of his right lung, after a nodule was identified as adenocarcinoma, the most common variety of lung cancer. As speculation surrounds the implications of his diagnosis for his nascent pontificate, indications emerged that his schedule is resuming.
On Friday, the Vatican published the names of journalists approved to accompany Leo on his upcoming trip to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru from November 6 to 17. While uncertainty remains over his ability to make the trip, the media list suggests that plans are moving forward at an organizational level.
In the immediate future, Vatican officials are considering scenarios for Leo to recite the Angelus prayer on Sunday. Set-up activity for a possible live broadcast at Gemelli hospital was observed, as has been customary for past popes during hospital stays. Bruni mentioned that Leo will deliver the prayer, although the specific location is yet to be determined.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, indicated that a hospital recitation of the noontime prayer on Sunday is feasible but will depend on the pope’s recovery. Such public appearances often serve to reassure the Catholic faithful about the well-being of the pontiff.
Parolin articulated his ongoing concerns for Leo, noting his surprise at the need for surgery and pointing to potential adjustments in the pontificate as necessary. “We can’t make any type of predictions,” he stated, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the pope’s return and the implications for his role.
Doctors are still awaiting test results to ascertain the cancer’s molecular and genetic characteristics, along with any necessary further treatment.
